On Monday, October 15, 2012 Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) will host a free pre-conference session during its 2012 Fall Conference, “Efficiency in Flexography: Connecting the Dots” (Milwaukee, WI; Oct. 15-17). From 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, conference goers can join chairs Sean Teufler of Harper Corporation of America and Johnny Dye of Accredo Packaging, Inc. as they explore the root causes of tinkering on press and emphasize where each department must focus its efforts to make the production area as efficient as possible.

“If your press environment continues to be a catch-all for every problem, this session is perfect for you.” Commented Dye. “You’ll learn how adequate planning and process control is the key to press success, from the viewpoints of an ink technician and a printer.”

Teufler added, “For press operators to achieve the required efficiency in today’s competitive environment, they must further optimize their processes. The burden of plate, ink and equipment corrections must go back upstream to their root sources. We will focus on these concepts by identifying inputs, common problems the operator must address and also discuss the troubleshooting processes that must be in place.”

The two-and-one-half day Fall Conference features six sessions, an update on FTA’s Flexo Quality Consortium (FQC), two evening receptions and a tabletop exhibition that runs concurrently with all breaks and meals.

Exhibiting companies include: 3M; All Printing Resources, Inc.; Anderson & Vreeland, Inc.; Beta Industries; Braden Sutphin Ink Company; Color Resolutions International; CT Graphic Arts; DuPont Packaging Graphics; Eaglewood Technologies; Eastman Kodak; Esko; Flexocleaners.com; Flexo Wash LLC; Flint Group; Harper Corporation of America; I.S.T./ECO; Leader Engineering-Fabrication, Inc.; MacDermid Printing Solutions; OEC Graphics; Paper Converting Machine Company; Screen USA; Ship & Shore Environmental; QuadTech; Tri-X Inc.; and X-Rite Inc.

Registrations are now being accepted. In addition to the free pre-conference session, each registrant receives a complimentary copy of the book, Setup Reduction for Printers, written by  authors Malcolm Keif and Kevin Cooper of California Polytechnic State University. The 140-page book provides information for reducing up to 50% setup time and includes insights for engaging with the production team, utilizing Lean practices, lowering costs and methodically working through the process of makeready reduction.